The suspension and $22, 497.65 fine (they appear not to round up on cents) seems rather disconnected by the finding of the panel that it was skeptical when Colbert-Osamuede claimed that she simply did not recall a rather unique confidential agreement designed to cover up text messages showing that then-mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and a top aide lied about their affair during a 2007 whistle-blower trial. She claims that the settlement simply slipped her mind when repeatedly asked about the case by the city council, a judge, and investigators. The settlement included an $8.4 million payout.
The panel wrote “One is hard-pressed to believe an attorney involved in the litigation would misplace, forget or simply lose sight of such an important document.” However, it then imposes just a 90 day suspension when expressing skepticism that the lawyer had testified truthfully. This is presumably still the position of Colbert-Osamuede –meaning that she is still offering testimony that the panel believes is probably untrue. Yet, the panel decided that Colbert-Osamuede was unlikely to repeat her violation.
I have tried to confirm reports that Colbert-Osamuede remains the city attorney. If true, it would mean that a city attorney can give false or misleading testimony to the city council, a judge, and state investigators and not only face a short suspension but keep her job representing the city of Detroit.
Source: Detroit Free Press as first seen on ABA Journal.